Popular actor and television serial producer Kutti Padmini has raised alarming concerns about the widespread sexual harassment faced by women in the Tamil television industry. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, the veteran actor revealed the harrowing realities many women endure, leading some to tragic consequences, including suicide.
The allegations come on the heels of a massive shakeup in the Malayalam film industry, where the Justice Hema Committee report exposed extensive sexual exploitation of women professionals. The report, made public earlier this month, has sent ripples across neighboring Tamil Nadu, where similar issues are now being brought to light.
Padmini, who has had a long and illustrious career in the entertainment industry, expressed her dismay over the exploitation women face in what should be a professional environment. “This is a profession like any other – doctors, lawyers, IT professionals. Why does it have to be a flesh trade? It is very wrong,” she stated.
According to Padmini, directors and technicians often demand sexual favors from female artists in television serials. She noted that many women choose not to complain because sexual harassment is challenging to prove. Some, she added, endure the abuse because the financial rewards are significant. “Being a whistleblower inevitably brings adverse consequences,” she said, citing the cases of singer Chinmayi and actor Sri Reddy, who have both faced industry backlash for speaking out.
Chinmayi was banned by actor Radha Ravi after she supported those who accused him of misconduct, under the pretext that she had not renewed her membership. Similarly, Sri Reddy was denied a membership card by the actors’ association, effectively barring her from working in television serials.
Padmini also highlighted the lack of progress in investigations into sexual harassment allegations in Tamil cinema. She referenced comments made by actor Suresh Gopi, who questioned the lack of proof in such cases. “How can anyone give proof? They can do a lie-detector test like the CBI is doing,” she suggested, pointing to the difficulties victims face in building evidence against their perpetrators.
The severity of the issue is underscored by Padmini’s own experiences as a child artist, where she faced sexual harassment. She recounted being thrown out of a Hindi film after her mother raised the issue, illustrating the systemic challenges that have long plagued the industry.
Despite the growing outcry, Tamil Nadu state minister Swaminathan told reporters that authorities have not received any formal complaints of sexual harassment from the industry. This statement stands in stark contrast to the wave of allegations emerging from within the industry.
In Kerala, where the Justice Hema Committee report has sparked significant controversy, the government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter. The Kerala Police announced that the SIT has been strengthened with additional women officers, and all related cases registered at local police stations will be handed over to the SIT for further investigation.
As more women come forward to share their experiences, the Tamil entertainment industry faces increasing pressure to address the deeply rooted issues of sexual harassment and exploitation.
Sources By Agencies
